Behind every thoughtful gaze is more than vision. Women’s eye health is often overlooked — yet it’s central to well-being, especially for women of color facing added risks. Eye health deserves a seat at the table in conversations about women’s health.
I’ve been fortunate over the past few years to have a retina specialist in my life who doesn’t just provide excellent care—she teaches, listens, and shows up with her whole heart. My journey with her has been eye-opening (pun fully intended). Like other organs in our body, our eyes can sometimes signal that something is wrong, but often, the truth requires a specialist’s insight. In my case, I learned that the issues I was experiencing were related to my retinas.
At a recent appointment, we discussed my work at the Institute for the Advancement of Women’s Health (IAWH), and that we publish a blog each month on women's health issues. I inquired whether she had ever published a blog on women and eye disease. The question sparked her to craft a compelling newsletter article and blog on the topic. (You can read Dr. Sophia Wong's insightful blog here: Why Some Eye Diseases Affect Women More Than Men).
Why Eye Disparities Matter
While some articles may not explicitly focus on ethnicity, it is vital to bring an equity perspective to the discussion. Evidence indicates that certain eye diseases affect different ethnicities and genders in diverse ways, which supports and enriches our work. These disparities aren’t solely due to biology—a combination of genetics, hormones, systemic inequalities, and access to healthcare all influence them.
Here are some key examples:
- Diabetic Retinopathy (DR): Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American individuals face higher rates of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy than White individuals and are more likely to progress to vision loss. A lack of consistent screening and access to treatment plays a significant role.
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): The leading cause of vision loss in older adults. White individuals have the highest rates, but women overall face a greater risk due to longer life expectancy and hormonal changes after menopause.
- Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSCR): More common in Asian and White populations, but Black individuals often experience a more aggressive form with poorer outcomes. Interestingly, this condition is much more common in men than in women.
- Glaucoma (worth noting): Black and Hispanic/Latino individuals develop glaucoma earlier, experience faster progression, and face a greater risk of blindness.
- Dry Eye Disease: Twice as common in women, especially postmenopausal women.
What This Means for Women
For women of color—and all women—eye health requires vigilance. Hormonal shifts, pregnancy, longer life spans, and systemic inequities all intersect to create unique risks. Left unchecked, these conditions can quietly steal vision. The good news? Early detection and treatment can make a life-changing difference. That is why finding the right retina specialist (and all eye care) is crucial.
Choosing a Retina Specialist: 5 Questions to Ask
When using resources like the American Society of Retina Specialists’ “Find a Specialist” tool, don’t stop at the directory listing. Look deeper and ask:
- Are they board-certified and fellowship-trained in vitreoretinal diseases?
- Are they involved in research or clinical trials, staying at the forefront of new treatments?
- Do they hold leadership roles or receive recognition from peers?
- What is their experience with conditions like diabetic retinopathy or AMD? What do patient reviews say about communication and compassionate care?
Bringing It Into Focus
Eye health is not just a personal issue—it’s a public health issue shaped by race, gender, and equity. I’m grateful that my own care journey led me to a specialist who combines clinical skill with heartfelt care, and who inspired me to take this conversation further. Dr. Wong's blog (linked above) offers excellent background on women and eye health. Paired with the equity-focused lens here at IAWH, it’s a powerful reminder: don’t overlook your vision. Your eyes deserve the same attention you give to your heart, bones, and overall health. So here’s the call to action: schedule that eye exam, ask the right questions, and share resources with the women in your life. Because seeing clearly isn’t just about eyesight—it’s about uncovering the full story of eye health and what might be hidden beneath the surface.
References
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American Society of Retina Specialists. Find a Specialist
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Beacon Retina, Dr. Sophia Wong. Why Some Eye Diseases Affect Women More Than Men.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes Statistics Report (2024).
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MDPI. Racial and Gender Disparities in Clinical Trial Representation of Anti-VEGF Therapies.
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National Institutes of Health. Racial Disparities in Glaucoma (NIH; All of Us).
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NIH. Diabetic Retinopathy in a Multi-ethnic Cohort in the United States.
Janine E. Payne, MPHCo-Executive Director
This article first appeared on the IAWH Health blog on September 28, 2025 and is preserved here as part of the IAWH Health Journal archive. Information reflects what was known at the time of publication. This article is for general education and is not medical advice.